Tips for Visiting the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Tips for Visiting the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, Utah. 

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is one of our favorite places to visit in Utah! We have actually been going there since 2011 before it moved locations to Draper. It’s in a big beautiful building you can see just off of the freeway on I-15.

One of our favorite things about the aquarium is that it’s like taking a little trip around the world without even leaving Utah! It’s the perfect staycation. They have different ecosystems that my kids love to explore! From the deep sea to the South Pole and more! It’s a must-see destination this summer! There’s more than just fish and sea life. I’m excited to share with you more about what there is to see at the aquarium and tips I have learned over the years to make the most of your visit to the aquarium.

Thanks to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and Mom it Forward for teaming up with me on this review.

A few things to know before you go:

Hours:

Daily 10am-6pm Monday: 10am-8pm

DISCOUNT- The Aquarium has $5 off Family Night on Monday, where guests can get $5 off regular admission prices after 4 pm. Also, there is a discount for $2 per ticket for groups of 20 or more, and for Boy or Girl Scouts dressed in Uniform. And for students, seniors and military there is a $3 per ticket discount.

Plan on staying about 2 hours or 2 1/2 hours if you go to Tuki’s Island. (More on that below as well as must-read tips!)

ECOSYSTEMS

Visit the Aquarium this summer and you’ll see and experience ecosystems from around the world, including Journey to South America, Expedition: Asia, the Ocean, the South Pole, Antarctic Adventure, Deep Sea and Discover Utah.

Journey to South America

This is our favorite exhibit. It transports you to a tropical rainforest with a 17-foot waterfall, free-flying birds, exotic fish, and reptiles with humidity to match the real feel of the rainforest.

My kids very favorite part of the aquarium is this cool rope bridge. They love to go on it over and over again!

Expedition Asia

This is the newest gallery at the aquarium. I love that they are always adding more to the aquarium. There are Asian otters, giant fish, clouded leopards and more.

Ocean Explorer

This gallery is magical! Walk through a 40-foot shark tunnel while sharks and other sea creatures swim around you giving a 360-degree view, visit the stingray touch pool, and discover ocean species from around the world.

Antarctic Adventure

Enjoy the Antarctic without the cold! The highlight for us here is seeing the penguins. (The only penguins in Utah!) There’s also glowing sea jellies and the deep sea lab.

Discover Utah

A beautiful scenic gallery that focuses on the beauty and diversity of Utah. The beginning of the gallery is a beautiful slot canyon that my kids love crawling through. There are North American river otters, fish and more from Utah and dessert animals. (You can see some pictures here.)

TIPS

-There are many extra activities going on at the aquarium daily. Check their calendar before you go to see what’s happening.

Some of these events include animal feeds, animal meet & greets, story time, educational presentations etc. There are many fun and free things you can participate in when you visit. One of our favorite things is Shark Week which will be happening this July.

-Start with the exhibits you want to see most.

This is especially true if you go more than once. My kids seem to enjoy the first few exhibits we see first before they get a little worn out.

-Plan which 3D/4D movie and time you want to watch when you get to the aquarium

You can even check out which movies and times they show here. This is free with admission. You might want to ask about what to expect during the movie you are planning to see if your child is sensitive to sound etc. My son doesn’t enjoy the light mist of water in the movie Sammy & Ray.

-Strollers

You can bring a stroller but depending on the age of your child you might not need it. My 2-year-old who usually prefers to sit in the stroller enjoyed walking around in the exhibits. There are places to park your stroller throughout the aquarium.

-Mother’s Room

There is a mother’s room located by the big shark tank. (By the exit.)

-If you plan on going more than twice as a family, save money by buying a membership.

We’ve used our membership so much there have been many months where we went every week. There are a lot of perks included in buying a membership. My kids’ favorite perk is going to  Tuki’s Island for free.

-Tuki’s Island Play & Party Center isn’t just for birthday parties

It’s the perfect place for parents to relax and kids to get their energy out. Remember to bring socks (if not they do have some they provide.) It isn’t included with regular admission but is with a membership. It only costs $3 per child. (Kids 2 and under are free.) 

-Stop by the Front Desk to get a Scavenger Hunt

-Plan on having fun!

Despite all my tips, there isn’t much you need to do to prepare to have a great time at the aquarium! Let your kids guide you in where they want to go and how long they want to spend at each place.

Stay connected with the Living Planet Aquarium to see what’s happening

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelivingplanetaquarium/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LivingPlanetUT
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelandlivingplanet/

Website: www.thelivingplanet.com

Have you visited the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium? What was your favorite part?

(I am part of the Mom it Forward Influencer Network who helped make this post possible.)